Understanding how the brain controls breathing
Official title: Neural Control of Breathing
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11032811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help control our breathing, especially when things go wrong, and it aims to help people with breathing problems like sleep apnea or other related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 12, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $979,510 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL171451-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from sleep apnea, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, or neurodegenerative diseases that impact breathing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breathing disorders unrelated to neural control, such as those caused solely by structural abnormalities, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that regulate breathing patterns, focusing on specific brainstem areas crucial for generating normal respiratory rhythms. By conducting a series of experiments in both living and laboratory settings using rodents, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in these mechanisms can lead to serious breathing disorders. The findings could provide insights into conditions such as sleep apnea and neurodegenerative diseases that affect breathing. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of respiratory control in both healthy and pathological states.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breathing disorders and improve the quality of life for patients with conditions like sleep apnea and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neural control of breathing, but this study aims to explore novel aspects that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldman, Jack L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Feldman, Jack L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.